Starting at
Starting at
| 375 | Standard Horsepower (HP) | 355 |
| 470 | Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 383 |
| 17/23 MPG | Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 15/22 MPG |
If you are looking for a spacious, well-equipped, full-size SUV with impressive fuel efficiency and towing ability, along with excellent ride quality, the 2020 Ford Expedition stands as the only option in its class. Its biggest competition comes from the GMC Yukon and its corporate cousin, the Chevy Suburban. However, neither GM SUV is able to truly compete with the Expedition, which has a higher tow rating, superior ride and handling, a level cargo floor, and solid fuel efficiency. So let’s take a more in-depth look at how the Expedition matches up to GM’s upscale entry into the full-size SUV segment with a comparison: 2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 GMC Yukon.
The 2020 Expedition is in the third year of its fourth generation—a generation that saw the Expedition win Kelley Blue Book’s Full-Size SUV Best Buy award. The fourth-generation Expedition features a lighter body with extensive use of aluminum. This allows for better towing capacity and increased fuel economy. Now the Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds while returning fuel efficiency ratings similar to those of smaller, car-based SUVs. The combination is lethal: with so much room for your family and friends, and an Expedition Max model if you need even more space, the 2020 Ford Expedition might just be the perfect vehicle for your family.
Where the Expedition further separates itself from the pack is in its use of an independent rear suspension. The GMC Yukon uses a solid axle, which makes for a stiff, truck-like ride, while the Expedition’s fancy suspension smooths out the bumps. And just when you thought the Expedition could not be more family-friendly, Co-Pilot360—Ford’s suite of safety and driver-assist features—is now standard for all Expedition models. But before we jump into any conclusions, let's make a more in-depth comparison of the two vehicles.
The 2020 Ford Expedition brings all of these characteristics together for a truly unique combination of rugged ability and sophisticated sensibilities. And it only needs one powertrain to accomplish this. Its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 generates 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, offering lots of horses and low-end power, even for a full-size SUV. And if you need more power, the Platinum model tunes this engine to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
The 2020 GMC Yukon offers two engine options to choose from. The first is a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. For a standard engine, this is considerably less power than the Expedition. With less horsepower and a clear disadvantage in low-end power—nearly 100 lb-ft less—the Yukon does not offer the same kind of value with its standard engine. This powertrain also comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission versus the Expedition’s 10-speed automatic transmission. The added refinement of the Expedition’s powertrain brings other advantages, such as increased efficiency.
The 2020 Ford Expedition returns impressive fuel efficiency, with up to 17 MPG in the city, 23 MPG on the highway and a combined rating of 20 MPG. The GMC Yukon’s standard powertrain returns 15 MPG in the city, 22 MPG on the highway and 17 MPG combined, and provides less power along with less efficiency, which is not a good combination. If you are looking for a family SUV, for a daily driver or carpooling, the GMC Yukon falls short when compared to the Expedition.
The Yukon’s other engine option, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, closes the power gap but with an efficiency rating of only 17 MPG combined. So while you are getting about the same power, you are losing significantly on the fuel front. With all of that said, the Expedition is clearly the better option as far as fuel economy.
Off-road capability is another critical realm of the full-size SUV. The 2020 Ford Expedition features an FX4 off-road package with terrain-response systems for every possible scenario: mud, sand, sport, tow/haul, eco, grass/gravel/snow, and normal.
The off-road package also includes many necessary off-road upgrades if you want to really get your Expedition dirty: a 3.73 electronic limited-slip differential, premium off-road shocks, a heavy-duty radiator, skid plates as well as underbody fuel tank protection, 18-inch Magnetic-painted cast-aluminum wheels, and all-terrain OWL tires. A 360-Degree camera is also new for the 2020 model year. And unfortunately, the 2020 GMC Yukon is not available in an off-road trim.
Additionally, if you need to tow with your SUV, for fun or work, you will not get it with the Yukon. While the Yukon’s optional engine may come with added cost, it does not come with added towing capability, as the Expedition’s standard engine can still tow 800 pounds more—9,300 pounds versus the Yukon’s max towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. All of this makes the Expedition, again, the better choice.
One of the main reasons for buying a full-size SUV is to have enough cargo and passenger space for your family and friends. The 2020 Ford Expedition delivers. With a spacious interior, comfortable seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system, the Expedition is the most family-ready SUV on the market. The Expedition offers 19.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat (the Max provides 34.3 cubic feet), 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row (Max: 79.6 cubic feet), and 104.6 with both rows folded (Max can carry 121.5 cubic feet of gear).
Adults in the 2020 GMC Yukon, however, will not be comfortable in the second row, with minimal legroom, or in the third row, with limited head space and legroom. Adults in the Expedition, on the other hand, will be looking forward to road trips, with quad cupholders, charging ports, and lots of legroom. Second- and third-row passengers are treated to spacious quarters in the Expedition, another benefit of its independent rear suspension. If you are looking for a full-size SUV that maximizes space, the 2020 Ford Expedition should be at the top of your list.
Other features that your family will appreciate are the abundance of tech and convenience offerings for the Expedition. Standard features include a power driver seat, a power-folding third-row seat, 18-inch wheels, a handful of USB ports, and an AM/FM/XM audio system with six speakers. Also standard is an 8.0-inch touchscreen, as well as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
While the Expedition packs in the value for its base trim level, the possibilities are endless: available features include a premium B&O audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with SlingTV. Also available is a panoramic sunroof, navigation, 22-inch wheels, a surround-view camera system, and power-fold side mirrors.
The GMC Yukon offers keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 9-speaker Bose sound system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and an 8-inch touch screen. Moving to the mid-level SLT trim brings leather upholstery, a power tailgate, and 4G LTE and Wi-Fi. These are all great features, some that are not available in the Expedition, but those that are unique to the Yukon will cost a pretty penny. And really, the Expedition has more than enough to offer.
Safety features are important to drivers because, well, getting where you need to go safely is the whole point of a vehicle. With the evolution of technology in today's world, the safety features offered in vehicles seem to be endless. So, let's look at what these two SUVs have to offer.
Standard safety features throughout the Expedition's trims include forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Also included as standard is a rearview camera, multiple airbags, post-crash alert for emergency response, and trailer-sway control. Co-Pilot360, Ford’s suite of safety tech, is now standard across all Expedition trim levels. And there is more, including Ford MyKey, which allows you to control your younger driver’s driving behavior, with settings for max audio volume, seatbelt use, and top speed.
For similar safety features on the 2020 GMC Yukon, you will need to upgrade to the Enhanced Driver Alert Package, which brings safety features like forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Because the Expedition offers so many standard features that can only be purchased as an additional package for the Yukon, it is the better SUV in regard to safety.
If you are looking for a great deal on a Ford Expedition or any other Ford vehicle, Kings Ford is the place to start your search. You can count on low prices, excellent customer service, and flexible financing—this is what we call the Kings Ford difference. Our dedication to providing the best car-shopping experience on the planet is what separates us from other dealerships. Stop by and chat with our finance team about the many rebates and incentives offered, ask our sales team about the many features of the Expedition, or take a test drive to experience the Expedition for yourself.
You won’t find the same hassle or high prices at Kings Ford that you will find at other dealerships. Our extensive inventory ensures you will find a model that fits your lifestyle. If you are looking for the Expedition of your dreams, Kings Ford has it all: the inventory and financial experts to get you on the road in style. Our sales team works hard to find the right vehicle for your family so that you drive home happy. Stop by and say hi—we look forward to seeing you at Kings Ford!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
